Now that multi-fin boards are on the scene a board quiver is not as straight forward as it used to be. One might say just get a single fin with thrusters or something like the EVO IQ that can be used as a single or twin but I was surprised to hear that the thrusters alone add a pound to the new JP wave boards. Without a doubt single fins are better for bump and jump sailing and multi-fin boards are probably going to either help your wave sailing or make it more interesting.

All of this new gear on the scene what do you think the best quiver of boards is for people who like to maximize time on the water and get the most out of waves? I know this will be very dependent on where people sail but that is exactly what people are wondering. If I don't live on Maui and sail in side shore conditions all the time should I even consider a quad fin? For the first time if I was able to get whatever gear I want for free I don't know what I would want. Does anyone else feel that way?

I think the weight gain you speak of is not so much the addition of side fins, but previous years had been lightened TOO much and strength was compromised. NOT JP specific, but lots of boards.

I do think that quads are going to be offered a lot, in 95L and smaller sizes, wave boards, the single won't go away, but more quads. The tri fin production boards have not reached their potential, they need more developement,
with toe in and fin foil research.

The twin is still here, , they are loose and a lot of fun., over shadowed by the quad, which fixes some of the twins shortcommings.
The quads go upwind like crazy.

I disagree that singles are best for B& J, they will plane sooner, but some of the other plus on tri fins, bring them closer, you would need to use different size fins to make it react to your likely, ie larger sides VS smaller center or opposite. A good tri fin will have a huge sail range on just 1 set of fins.

don't think I would change much on your dream quiver

70L Quad

85L quad or tri fin maybe trailing tri fin

95L probably FSW but Freestyle a possibility single BUT a Witchcraft tri fin in FSW would be sweet._________________K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you

For my weight the WasSUP and the 105L would cover 95% of my sailing days. The 91 quad would be for trips to Jalama or Arroyo Laguna, or the rare winter clearing wind where I can use a 5.0.

U2U2U2 I hope you are right about multi fin options in larger sizes as I really feel the industry is ignoring plus sized sailors. Most FSW shapes are too much of a compromise for dedicated wavesailing. There is to my knowledge only one semi custom wave board (OES 105L quad, not sure how easy to get in the US) and one production wave board (RRD 99L twin) currently on the market for plus sized sailors. I have the RRD twin 99L and love it. I am told it is actually a FSW shape with twin fins to loosen it up. That would explain why it planes so early, but with the twin fins it is incredibly loose on a wave. I use it from 6.2 to overpowered 5.3 and can't say enough good things about it. My only concern is massive flat landings as it is a very light board for its volume.

I'm looking forward to seeing Simmer's new FSW multifin offering in larger sizes for plus sized sailors as I hope they will have a real wave bias. I hope they do a 105 L as at my current weight even 99 L can feel small.

Last edited by capetonian on Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:10 pm; edited 1 time in total

tons of off topic BS , but Ola is the primary Simmer designer. the FSW is going to be 85 95 105, but I think I remember reading that its going to be a tri fin, can't remember., will update when I see.

my mind doesn't see a wave board over 100L, but I'm small, so thats why.

have a absoulte craze for a new quad myself, will be easier to get one and stop the voices in my head.

Quatro ..95 RRD 92 Goya 92 or the Tabou 91L which is being loaded next week for shipment to Hawaii, all the largest I know, THAT I would consider.

price as a issue: the Quatro Tempo 92L twin, is calling my name , but would probably regret the lack of the forward fins.

from what I have read, the Simmers should be available mid year, made in China, and high end construction, and cost accordingly. I think a brave venture in todays economy, but if they make them for "ALL" conditions not just Maui, the name is good and board should be top notch.

with the price of some boards, it may be wise to consider a custom quad_________________K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you

It's not completely finalized yet, but something like that. The thruster kit consists of pretty swept back and flexy fins. Symmetrical. I tested it with some of the asym fins I had with me, but didn't find enough improvements to merit it at this stage.
__________________
Ola H.

– Simmer Boards and Sails –

this from Ola the Simmer designer, so my memory was correct, they are doing a single/thruster in those FSW sizes._________________K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you

my mind doesn't see a wave board over 100L, but I'm small, so thats why.

I always thought the general rule of thumb for wavesailing is your weight in kg plus 10 = volume in L needed, i.e. 100kg rider needs a 110 L waveboard.

so is this rule for light wind, ability to float rule ?

not picking it apart here, its just that math to me in windsurfing , has too mant things to consider, like fin size, is going to be subject to quite a lot of variables. some sailors are more comfortable with a little more float to comfort their need to relax and get thru lulls, or the wind dropping off.

me being light I would never need a 100L wave board, ideal a 70L & a 90ish

your equation for me would be 78L, too big for 3.5, too small for 6.0, just right for 4.5--5.5_________________K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you

I don't think one needs a quiver of boards at all. One of the best benefits of the new equipment (and multi-fin boards in particular) is that you can do more with less. One can get amazing turning capabilities and overpowered control out of bigger wave boards. Or take the opposite route and take advantage of how quickly the small boards plane up and how stable they are underpowered.

When in doubt, take the bigger board, though. New school wave boards plane early, schlog better than ever if the wind dies, stay in control when things get crazy overpowered, and turn like little 5'10" squash tail surf boards, EVEN AT 90-100 LITERS.

Add to that the tune-ability of a four fin board, and you can take one board out in almost any conditions and have an absolute blast. You don't even need multiple sets of fins as just changing the spacing of the fins can make a big difference in how the board performs.

The biggest benefit of just using one wave board no matter the conditions? You know exactly how it reacts. You know it's quirks. You know everything about it. The conditions may be unfamiliar and challenging on those epic days with crazy winds and huge waves, but your gear isn't. It's just one less thing to deal with.

Anyway, that's just my opinion. I'd rather see you spend less money by buying one sick wave board and two new sails, than see you buy three boards and use six different 10 year old sails on them. And yes, you can most likely cover the same range of conditions!

For the places I sail the most - Maui, the Gorge, and west coast waves - and my size - 210 lbs - I think a 92-95 liter quad takes care of 92-95 percent of my non-racing sessions.___________________________________________________________
FORMERLY of www.windsurfingmag.com

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